Chapter 221: The Selection Assembly (1)
"Ladies and gentlemen, long time no see. After a long period of trials, the second stage of the New Hero Battle is finally about to begin. Now, in front of all our eyes, the six mentors will begin forming their teams step by step. With so many outstanding players gathered here, what kind of incredible teams will be born? Let's wait and find out!"
In the BLUE LOCK TV program, depending on the viewer's region, different commentators explained the situation on the field in various languages.
Because the second-stage venue had been moved inside the country, it meant the Blue Lock Project was officially accepted domestically and approved for national broadcasting.
Naturally, this first live-broadcast phase — the Hero Assembly selection — attracted an enormous number of domestic viewers.
....
"Whoa, this is kinda crazy. I looked up this 'Blue Lock' project before — a football battle royale? Those guys really know how to make things wild."
"Ahem, don't say things that could 'hurt unity.' That's our overseas autonomous province."
"By the way, this guy Shinichi… is he really that strong? Isn't Noa this year's Ballon d'Or winner? Is it the same name? How could a teenager compete on the same stage as these giants?"
"Not exaggerating — I've followed the New Hero Battle since the start. He is that good. His talent is eye-blinding. I don't know exactly how strong he is, but he can genuinely exchange blows with these big names."
"Damn… so our national team is saved?"
"No way. No matter how bad our team is, would we rely on that guy to save it? Even if he came back, I'd rather the national team stay bad."
"But apparently he's the new Chief Minister's nephew — well… now they call it Chief Executive. His family emigrated there ages ago, and he just became a high-ranking official and successfully pushed for that region to return…"
"So this is what they call infiltrating the enemy from the inside — went in as an undercover and became the boss? Amazing."
….
Typical chaotic domestic comment barrage.
...
Inside Blue Lock, Ego Jinpachi personally took the stage:
"Yo yo, all you raw gems who are finally starting to shine — long time no see."
"Have you been performing your best? Are you confident you'll receive an offer? I bet not all of you can say yes. Unfortunately, that's reality. Your laziness and weakness will never get another chance to be corrected. So if you don't get chosen later, get lost and roll out of here — then carry that irredeemable regret inside you and seek revenge."
"Now then — Hero Assembly, officially begins!"
The spotlight above Ego's head went out instantly.
Then six brighter beams lit up the mentors' silhouettes.
They sat on luxurious thrones arranged in a curved arc before the waiting players.
....
"The selection order will follow the rankings from Stage One. The mentor with the best first-stage results gets first pick. You should've already read the rules, so from here on… it's your stage, mentors."
Ego vanished after that sentence, not caring at all about keeping the atmosphere alive.
Snuffy could only sigh helplessly and begin the first selection.
He swiped on his tablet a few times, then looked up at a figure that surprised everyone.
....
"Ryusei Shidou. Your sense for goals and aggression in the box are excellent. Would you like to become part of Ubers?"
"I'll design offensive tactics specifically for you. And since I'm confident in our defense, you won't need to worry about tracking back. All I want from you… is to attack with everything you've got."
Snuffy clearly explained the advantages of joining him, then smoothly shifted to Shidou's weaknesses before giving his offer.
"Your valuation has always been low because your independent attacking skills are weak. You dominate the penalty area but lack the ability to push the ball into the box yourself. If you come to me, I'll fully unleash your attacking instincts."
"My offer is 170 million. According to the latest valuation chart, you're only at 120 million, right? I believe this will be the most competitive offer."
He wrote 170,000,000 on the tablet.
The number also lit up on the LED display under his seat.
His lights dimmed — signaling his turn had ended.
Next, the lights around Noa's seat lit up.
....
"You weren't part of my original team plan, but you do have talent. If you're willing to join based on the recommended valuation, I don't mind signing you."
Noa's voice was calm as always — and equally clear that he wasn't very interested.
....
Then the lights shifted to Loki.
Being caught a bit off guard, Loki touched his chin thoughtfully.
"Well… since we cooperated in Stage One, you should already have a feel for my coaching style. No need to say too much there. We maximize each player's individuality."
"Also, Charles gets along with you extremely well, right? Having familiar teammates isn't a bad thing. And personally, I enjoy pairing with a striker who has sharp instincts around the goal. Not to brag, but my passing isn't bad either."
He scribbled quickly on his tablet.
Another massive number appeared.
"I'm not as bold as Snuffy, but I can offer you 150 million."
....
"Haha! Want him but still being stingy — how petty, Loki!"
As soon as Loki's offer showed up, Lavinho burst into loud laughter.
He stood up and turned toward Chris.
"Hey, Chris— I can go first this round, right?"
Chris didn't respond.
He simply wrote 100 million on his tablet, then made a "please, go ahead" gesture toward Lavinho.
Obviously, such a perfunctory offer made it clear—he had no intention of competing for Ryusei Shidō at all.
....
"Great, I'll treat you to dinner later."
Lavinho casually made Chris an empty promise, then looked directly at Shidō with surprising seriousness.
"I really like your style, kid. Your dribbling is absolute garbage—like a steaming pile of crap—but I love that crazed look in your eyes, the one that only sees goals."
"You're a wild beast. A free one. You shouldn't be trapped in Snuffy's rules and restrictions."
A bold, flashy number lit up on the LED screen.
Lavinho tossed his tablet aside after writing the amount:
"180 million. If someone already made an offer and wants to compete, then the price has to go up, right, Loki?"
"So come to my side. My team is missing a ferocious, attack-oriented beast exactly like you. And in return—"
Lavinho grinned, sharp and arrogant.
"I'll teach you how to dribble."
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